All new J-1 Scholars must register with the International Faculty and Scholars Office upon arrival in the U.S.
Closer to your program start date, J-1 scholars will receive an email from IFSO with a reminder to register. The registration process is completed online via ISD; when you register with our office, you will have to provide us with your contact information (address, phone number, and email address) in San Diego and documents used for entry into the U.S. Please note, this registration is only for our office and needed to validate your J-1 record. You may also need to check in and register with your department as well.
J-1 scholars that are transferring their J-1 status from another U.S. institution should email their advisor to set up an appointment with an advisor. The advisor will register your record and email you your new DS-2019 from UCSD on the date of your transfer. You must print all pages of the DS-2019 and sign the acknowledgement at the bottom of page 1 that confirms you have read and understand the information on page 2.
Orientation is required for all new J-1 Scholars at UC San Diego, new J-1 programs and those transferring to UC San Diego. You will receive an email from IFSO with instructions regarding how to attend an online orientation.
There are many regulations and requirements pertaining to your J-1 visa status and orientation is an opportunity to learn about these requirements so that violations of your visa status do not occur. The J-1 orientation is different from other orientations you may also be required to attend; such as the postdoc orientation.
J-1 Orientation
Mandatory J-1 Orientations are being held virtually via Zoom. Orientation sessions begin at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Wednesday of the month (excluding holidays). We will email you the information, however feel free to email ischolars@ucsd.edu for specific dates and Zoom meeting information.
J-2 Family Orientation
Due to COVID19, Family orientation is currently on hold.
The Glacier Online Nonresident Alien Tax Compliance System ("Glacier") allows UC San Diego to collect tax-related information, including treaty eligibility, from international scholars paid by UC San Diego to properly tax and report payments and/or benefits. If you have not received an email request to
complete your Glacier record, reach out to your departmental administrator to
request their help. If you are unpaid and receiving no benefits from UC San Diego, you do not need to complete a Glacier record.
Alert
J-1 Scholars must first register with IFSO to have their record validated before they apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). If you apply for the SSN before you have been validated by IFSO this could lead to delays or a denial.

We recommend that you wait 10 days after entering the United States and 5 days after completing the registration process at the International Faculty & Scholar Office (IFSO) to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). When you register with IFSO, your advisor will update the Department of State records, so the 5 days allows for the system to be updated before you apply for a SSN. Generally, all J-1 scholars in the Research Scholar, Short-term Scholar, and Professor categories are automatically eligible to apply for an SSN. J-1 Student Interns are only eligible if they are being paid by UCSD. Learn what documents you will need to get a Social Security Card
The following documents are required to apply for a Social Security card:
If you experience any SSN related issued due to digital signatures on Form DS-2019, please notify your IFSO advisor.
The local San Diego Social Security Office has indicated that you can only receive services from the social security office your zip code is assigned to. This is based on your local/home/residential San Diego address, not your work address. To determine which Social Security Office that provides you services: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
More detailed information regarding the application process can be found on our identification documents webpage.
The State of California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not recognize international drivers’ licenses. The State of California, however, does recognize your national driver license as long as it is valid and translated to English. Although the law is ambiguous when dealing with international visitors we recommend that, if you plan to drive, you get a California driver’s license immediately to avoid the risk of a traffic citation. Keep in mind that automobile insurance is required by law in the United States. Most insurance companies require a valid California driver’s license
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires a written test and a road test. No appointment is necessary for the written test, but an appointment and a car are required for the road test.
Scholars in J-1 status must have a social security number in order to apply for a license. Dependents must either show proof of ineligibility by getting a denial letter from the Social Security Administration or apply for a number, if eligible prior to applying for a license.
Temporary permits can be renewed until the card is received.
More information can be found on our identification documents webpage.
To obtain a UC San Diego ID card, ask your department for assistance. A department administrator needs to determine your eligibility and complete the request with a Campus Card Request Form.
More information visit IFSO's Identification Documents webpage.
The U.S. Department of State regulations require that visitors in J-1 and J-2 statuses maintain proper insurance coverage as a condition of their participation in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. [See 1(f) on back of the DS-2019].
As a J-1 Exchange Visitor, we will require proof of your health insurance coverage. See our health insurance page for more information on submitting your proof of enrollment.
For questions regarding the health insurance requirement contact ifsoinsurance@ucsd.edu.